Summary
- Dead Space owes a lot to Resident Evil 4, which redefined third-person shooters and survival horror games. Fans of Dead Space will enjoy its nonstop action and similar over-the-shoulder aiming system.
- The Last of Us franchise is a must-play for Dead Space fans who enjoy nail-biting suspense and narrow escapes. The level of tension while fighting undead enemies and strategically dismembering them is similar to Dead Space.
- SOMA is a first-person survival horror game with a focus on narrative twists. Players seeking something similar to Dead Space, yet a bit different, will appreciate the atmosphere and slow build of the plot in SOMA.
Earlier this year, EA Motive released its expertly crafted Dead Space remake. A faithful reimagining of the original title, with its own set of creative additions, the game marked a return to form for this long-dormant franchise. Isaac Clarke's battles with the Necromorphs were back in all of its glory and fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Even with the Dead Space franchise back in the spotlight, it may be a while before another remake or proper sequel enters active development. For gamers looking to scratch that survival horror itch (perhaps with a sci-fi twist), there are numerous options to dive into while waiting for further journeys with Isaac Clarke, with multiple alternatives for players that just can't get enough of Dead Space.
Resident Evil 4
In many ways, Dead Space owes a lot to the landmark release of Resident Evil 4. Redefining both third-person shooters and the popularity of survival horror games, Resident Evil 4 remains immensely popular and enjoyable to this day. It delivers the same level of nonstop action and chills as Dead Space, as well as a similar over-the-shoulder aiming system. Whether the 2005 original or recent remake on current-gen platforms, Dead Space fans can't go wrong here.
The Last of Us 1 and 2
It's hard to recommend The Last of Us and completely disregard its sequel since the two go hand in hand. The level of tension while fighting the undead enemies in The Last of Us is extremely high, especially when played on higher difficulties. Strategically dismembering enemies and carefully treading through locations is similar to Dead Space, so for fans of nail-biting suspense and narrow escapes, The Last of Us franchise is a must-play.
SOMA
SOMA is first-person survival horror done right with a big focus on twists in its narrative. In summary, it follows Simon Jarrett who finds himself in a deep sea facility under mysterious circumstances. As he explores the complex, he slowly begins to unravel the terrifying mystery of what went wrong. The atmosphere and the slow build of the plot are reminiscent of Isaac Clarke's time aboard the Ishimura, so it's definitely worth a look for player seeking something similar, yet at the same time, a bit different.
Metroid Prime
Nintendo may have a reputation for being a family-friendly gaming company, but this isn't to say it doesn't have its fair share of IP's that venture into darker themes. Metroid Prime is arguably among the top of the pack, with a foreboding atmosphere, vicious enemies to square off against, and an immensely powerful arsenal of weapons to make Isaac Clarke blush. Even the pacing and layout of the world, with locked doorways and extensive exploration, was likely an inspiration for Dead Space.
The Callisto Protocol
Despite being developed by many of the same creative team behind the original Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol landed late last year with a bit of a thud. Aiming to be a spiritual successor to Dead Space, it certainly fell short in many respects, but that's not to say it was all bad. The graphics and audio design were outstanding, serving as arguably one of the best showcases for current-gen hardware thus far. Combat also can take some getting used to, but can have its own satisfying loop once players get the hang of it. It all comes together as a game that although nowhere near as refined as what it aims to imitate, is still worth checking out all the same.
Dead Space is out now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.